Description

A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST YA BOOK OF 2023

WINNER OF THE FREEMAN AWARD 2023

‘Read this; you’ll walk away changed.’ Grace D. Li

Falling in love was never part of the plan.

SUMMER, 2019

When Phoenix attends a protest rally with her older brother, it ignites a fire in her she didn’t know she had. The island city she loves is disappearing and she’s determined to capture the moment with her camera.

Kai is training to be a policeman and thinks the protesters are spoilt and privileged. He hopes to earn recognition at the Academy by going undercover and infiltrating their network.

Phoenix and Kai accidentally swap phones at a student protest encounter. Sparks fly, drawing them together even as they stand on different sides of the struggle. But when love is built on a lie, what chance does it have to survive?

‘I could not put it down and haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished. A must read.’ Susan Lee, author of Seoulmates

‘An honest and searing portrait of the Hong Kong protests.’ Axie Oh, author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

‘A richly detailed and humane teen romance.’ Suzi Feay

Publisher Review

'A luminous, unforgettable debut. An Echo in the City is a love letter to Hong Kong and those shifting, transformative years of youth, full of hope and heartbreak in equal measure. Read this; you'll walk away changed.' Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief 'A deeply powerful and poignant story about finding one's voice in the face of struggle and love in times of turmoil. An Echo in the City is incredibly timely in its portrayal of young people standing up for what they believe in. I could not put it down and haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished. A must read.' Susan Lee, author of Seoulmates 'In this exquisitely rendered debut, Song paints an honest and searing portrait of the Hong Kong protests. I felt deeply the emotions of the two star-crossed lovers, their yearning and heartbreak, their resilience and hope...' Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea 'An Echo in the City vividly reminds us that though the machinery of politics turns as it will, no force is greater than human love and connection. This is a gorgeous, stirring book; a stellar debut.' Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of The Serpent King 'An Echo in the City is a stunning and emotionally riveting story that interweaves the fate of a city in turmoil and flux, with the lives of two teens struggling with who they are and who they long to be...This wholehearted debut will challenge you and stay with you for a long time.' Alexandra Villasante, Lambda Literary award-winning author of The Grief Keeper 'A riveting and meaningful coming-of-age story. ' -- Kirkus Reviews An Echo in the City is a sweeping, vivid window into a singularly intense moment in time, through the eyes of people on the ground. I was transported onto the streets of Hong Kong by Song's tender characterization and crisp prose. A gripping story that leaves you contemplating what it means to take a stand on the things that matter.' XiXi Tian, author of This Place is Still Beautiful 'A poignant, riveting story of hope and love and what it means to be a part of your community. With your voice. With your thoughts. With your heart. Absolutely phenomenal.' Zoulfa Katouh, author of As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow 'A heartstopping, nuanced, and important look at the cost-and the power-of revolution.' Kelly Loy Gilbert, author of Picture Us In the Light